SUNSHINE Coast Hospital and Health Service has issued a warning to people who consumed food and drink or used the toilet at a Sunrise Beach business last month.

The service has issued a warning for those who went to the Beach Chalet Shop, Tingira Cres between October 10 and November 1 2014.

"These people may need vaccination to reduce the risk of developing hepatitis A if it can be provided within two weeks of the last exposure," a spokeswoman for the health service said.

"They should see their GP to check on vaccination records, to see if they need a blood test to confirm immunity, or to be vaccinated. The GP will contact the local Public Health Unit to arrange vaccine if it is necessary."

"If it is too late to be vaccinated, people should be aware of the onset of symptoms which include fever, generalised aches and pains, nausea, lack of appetite and abdominal discomfort. Dark urine is usually the first specific sign of acute hepatitis A, often followed a day or two later by jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) and pale coloured bowel motions."

The spokeswoman did not say why the warning was issued but advised that hand washing and good hygiene practices were essential and the most effective ways of reducing the spread of hepatitis A infection.

"They are particularly important in this situation as people are infectious for a period of time before they develop symptoms," she said.

Hepatitis A (also known as infectious hepatitis) is an acute infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus.

The severity and duration of the illness varies but most people feel better by the third week.

The disease is usually more serious in adults than in children. In adults, hepatitis A occasionally presents as a serious disease lasting several months.

For more information about hepatitis A go to the www.health.qld.gov.au website and search for 'Hepatitis A fact sheet'.